317 Richey Avenue
“This is our first house. It is very special to us because we have done so much of the work ourselves. Although the journey has been dusty, we have learned so much and now live in a neighborhood that we love.” Brian and Julia Vidic moved to Observatory Hill from Oakland because this area had the potential of providing everything they wanted – interesting homes, a nearby park, and a diverse neighborhood.
Since purchasing their home in May 2000, Brian and Julia have done quite a bit of work on their 100-year-old house. They have renovated the kitchen and first floor powder room; painted, installed crown molding and new windows; and replaced plumbing, electrical wiring, and flooring. Recent projects include a new roof and central air conditioning. The entrance foyer is still graced with the original oak staircase, paneling, pocket doors and beveled glass. The original oak mantle surrounds the working gas fireplace in the living room.
In the kitchen, Brian removed the drop ceiling, bulkheads, and cabinets that hid a window and butler stairs. On the second floor, the master bedroom has crown moldings and a working gas fireplace. Julia has painted a mural of bunnies in one of the bedrooms and Thomas the Tank Engine is depicted on the walls of the other bedroom. Two additional bedrooms are on the third floor, a “work-in-progress” perennial garden can be enjoyed from the front porch and in the backyard, a new three-tier deck is enjoyed year-round.